### 267

The Chagarashi spins around and crashes down into the damp foliage, its chest ripped open by your deadly blow. You rein in your horse and return to the fallen enemy to make sure it is dead. Quickly dismounting, you rush towards it with your Kai Weapon poised to strike if it shows the slightest sign of life. As soon as you are certain it is dead, you signal to your companions to come forward. There is something wrapped around the creature’s left wrist that catches your eye. It is a Gold Necklace, a trinket that the beast most likely stole from the body of a luckless refugee. On close examination you find that it is poorly plated gold and is of little monetary value. Quang and the Watchers draw their horses up in a semi-circle around you and the slain Chagarashi.

‘We must proceed with caution,’ you say. ‘This creature may not have been the only one scouting this area.’

You remount and lead the others through the tree-line in single file, with all eyes peeled for the slightest movement among the pines and foliage ahead.

Turn to 99.